struggle

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "struggle" is correct and usable in written English.
It is most often used as a verb, meaning "to make a long and difficult effort to achieve something," or, as a noun, meaning "a difficult situation or a hard effort that you make in order to achieve something". For example, "She had to struggle to find the courage to ask for help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Through her heroic struggle she has become a leading spokesperson for girls' rights to education".

The Guardian

"Even the angel Gabriel would struggle to survive with that hanging over his head.

The Guardian

The amounts would need to be proportionate – we mustn't penalise legitimate visa applicants who will struggle to get hold of the money.

The Guardian

They've had to struggle to keep up with their new ones.

The Economist

Even the most dedicated chocoholic would struggle to get their teeth into this bar.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

With this in mind, is it time for the charity sector to reconsider how it approaches donors, especially those who might struggle to say no?

The Guardian

"After [King Salman, Abdullah's successor, departs the scene], a power struggle within the royal family is likely.

The Guardian

Skeptics argue that a large portion of those jobs are low-wage, part-time jobs that do little to help the families that struggle to make ends meet.

The Guardian - Money

She won for what the Nobel committee called her "heroic struggle" for girls' right to an education.

The Guardian

Some players would struggle with that kind of inconsistency but Kvitova has clearly come to terms with it.

The Guardian - Sport

This struggle continues in today's modern setting.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "struggle" as a noun, provide context regarding the nature and intensity of the conflict or effort being described.

Common error

Avoid using "struggle" passively. Instead of saying "He was struggling", specify the action: "He struggled to breathe." This strengthens the sentence and avoids ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The word "struggle" functions primarily as a verb or a noun. As a verb, it describes the act of striving against difficulty. As a noun, it denotes the conflict or effort itself. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

99%

Science

0.3%

Formal & Business

0.3%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "struggle" is a versatile word used both as a noun and a verb to denote difficulty, effort, and conflict. As indicated by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and commonly used, particularly in News & Media. When writing, specify the nature of the "struggle" to enhance clarity and impact. Be mindful of overuse in the passive voice. Alternative phrases like "contend", "fight", and "grapple" can offer nuanced variations depending on the intended meaning. The frequency of "struggle" demonstrates its widespread applicability across different writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contend

Emphasizes active competition or rivalry, shifting the focus from internal difficulty to external opposition.

fight

Highlights direct opposition or conflict, suggesting a more aggressive or confrontational approach.

grapple

Implies a close, physical struggle, suggesting a more hands-on or intimate confrontation.

battle

Suggests a prolonged and intense conflict, implying a more significant and sustained effort.

clash

Focuses on a brief, intense conflict or disagreement, suggesting a more sudden and explosive encounter.

strive

Emphasizes earnest and persistent effort, shifting the focus to the determination and commitment involved.

toil

Highlights laborious and exhausting work, suggesting a more physically demanding and arduous effort.

contend with

Highlights the act of dealing with something difficult or challenging, shifting the focus from the effort to the obstacle.

face adversity

Emphasizes confronting hardship or misfortune, suggesting a more resilient and determined response.

undergo hardship

Focuses on experiencing difficult or challenging circumstances, suggesting a more passive or enduring perspective.

FAQs

How can I use "struggle" in a sentence?

"Struggle" can be used as a verb to describe difficulty in achieving something, for example, "They struggled to make ends meet". It can also be a noun referring to a difficult effort or conflict, such as, "The struggle for equality continues".

What are some synonyms for "struggle"?

Alternatives to "struggle" include "contend", "fight", or "grapple", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a struggle with" or "a struggle against"?

Both "a struggle with" and "a struggle against" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "A struggle with" suggests dealing with an internal difficulty or challenge, while "a struggle against" implies opposition to an external force or obstacle.

What's the difference between "struggle" and "challenge"?

"Struggle" implies a more prolonged and arduous effort than "challenge". A "challenge" might be difficult, but a "struggle" suggests a greater level of difficulty and sustained effort over time.